Using a trailer efficiently starts with choosing the right trailer for the job.
You might be surprised by how many different types of trailers there are. Trucks today transport more than 80 percent of the inland freight volume. This creates avenues for millions of jobs.
Transporting this material means a certain type of trailer. Learning what trailers are ideal for each scenario makes transportation easier. Not all types of trailers are equal.
Different Types of Trailers
Trucks need a trailer to carry the load. Equipped with wheels and the support to carry thousands of pounds, trailers are one of the more reliable transportation methods to date.
Different kinds of trailers are used for different types of materials. Determining what trailer to use for your requirements and budget is of the utmost importance.
We will discuss the five most common trailers used in the trucking industry today. A variety of trailers are used to speed up the loading/unloading process. Knowing which you would use in certain situations depends on what you’re hauling.
1. Flatbed Trailer
Flatbeds are a type of flat deck trailer. They’re used across the industry because of versatility.
Flatbeds can be accessed from the sides, top, or rear thanks to their exposed design. These trailers are 48 feet by 53 feet or 60 feet long and 8 foot 6 inches wide. Their design allows them to carry anywhere from 48,000 to 65,000 lbs.
2. Stretch Single-Drop Deck
Similar to a traditional single-drop deck, the stretch trailer can extend to legally carry an extra long freight.
Coupled with its ability as a drop deck (meaning the floor can drop down after it clears the tractor unit) this trailer can accommodate loads up to 10 feet tall. The stretch feature is common across other types of trailers as well.
3. Lowboy
Freight that is too tall needs a trailer that is low enough to safely transport the material. This is where the lowboy comes into play.
Also known as a double drop trailer, oversized freight is carried on a deck only 18 inches off the ground. Cargo as tall as 11 foot 6 inches can be transported by this trailer type.
4. Enclosed Trailer/Dry Van
The most common type of trailer on the road is the enclosed trailer.
One container encloses the load, protecting it from sunlight, weather, and other issues on the road. Enclosed trailers are affordable in comparison to different types of trailers on the market.
They can transport anything and can be made to include shelving units/storage cabinets for more organization and space. Enclosed trailers haul loads 42,000 to 45,000 lbs and are 48 to 53 feet long.
Specialty Trailers
The name says it all. Specialty trailers are used for exactly that, special loads.
These truck trailer types are built to specifications for whatever they’re hauling. Trailer sales for these types of trailers depend on the material. They are used for anything from moving mass amounts of liquids to medical or food services.
Drivers of these trailers need special permits/licenses to tow the load. Carrying loads up to 200,000 lbs is a tall task for the average driver.
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